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Conflict and Fragility

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For the long run

30 Jan 2017 - 16:27
Source: Daily Crusader

A mapping of migration-related activities in the wider Sahel region

Since the start of the migration crisis in 2015, the European Union (EU) has focused its political and financial attention on restricting irregular migration flows to the EU from amongst others the Sahel-Lake Chad-Libya region—Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Mauretania, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal. In 2015 the total influx of irregular migrants into the EU spiked and was dominated by the flow of refugees from in particular Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq fleeing violence and entering via Greece.

This report aims to provide a quick mapping of the crisis management and peace operations as well as the most relevant international and regional actors that deal or may deal with irregular migration-related issues in the Sahel-Lake Chad-Libya region. In addition, author Jaïr van der Lijn provides a first appreciation of these efforts. In spite of the difficulties that have risen, common interests and a shared sense of urgency between the EU member states and the affected regions may create room for cooperation.